Log sorting method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A log sorting method and apparatus in which logs are conveyed on a flat, continuous conveyor between the arms of a plurality of ejector yokes. A kicker rail is connected to one set of arms on one side of the conveyor and a longer retainer rail is secured to the arms on the other side of the conveyor. When the yoke is at rest, these rails are generally continuous with the remaining side rails of the conveyor. The logs are scanned for minimum diameter and those with the largest minimum diameter are ejected from the conveyor by the first ejector yoke. Progressively smaller logs are ejected at successive stations. If there is no gap between the logs as they come to an ejector, as determined by an energy transmitting beam passing across the conveyor, then the logs will not eject. The logs are normally ejected into receiving bins, but can be diverted to the return side of the conveyor or to a second parallel conveyor, which carries them to another ejector which in turn ejects them onto a live deck from whence they are carried to the saws or to some other operation or location.

Sweet et at.

[ LOG SORTING METHOD AND APPARATUS {75] Inventors: Harold J. Sweet,Rhinelander, Wis;

Robert L. Papworth, Chassell. Mich; John G. Grimm, Jr., Tripoli. Wis.

[731 Assignees: Marple? Products Company Inc.,

Rhinelander, Wis; Herman Engineering Corporation, Houghton, Mich.

[22] Filed: July 14, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 272,019

52 us. C1. 209/82 [51] Int. Cl. B07c 5/04 [58] Field of Search 209/73,74, 75, 82, 86, 209/88, 111.9, 111.7; 198/185, 24; 33/174 P, 174 PA [56]References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.138.258 6/1964 Stupfel et a1209/82 3,631,977 l/1972 Taul 209/82 X Primary Examiner-Lloyd L. KingAssistant ExaminerGene A. Church Attorney, Agent, or FirmPrice,Heneveld, l-luizenga & Cooper June 11, 1974 ABSTRACT A log sortingmethod and apparatus in which logs are conveyed on a flat. continuousconveyor between the arms of a plurality of ejector yokes. A kicker railis connected to one set of arms on one side of the conveyor and a longerretainer rail is secured to the arms on the other side of the conveyor.When the yoke is at rest, these rails are generally continuous with theremaining side rails of the conveyor. The logs are scanned for minimumdiameter and those with the largest minimum diameter are ejected fromthe conveyor by the first ejector yoke. Progressively smaller logs areejected at successive stations. If there is no gap between the logs asthey come to an ejector, as determined by an energy transmitting beampassing across the conveyor, then the logs will not eject. The logs arenormally ejected into receiving bins, but can be diverted to the returnside of the conveyor or to a second parallel conveyor, which carriesthem to another ejector which in turn ejects them onto a live deck fromwhence they are carried to the saws or to some other operationorlocation.

88 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJuu 1 1 m4 SHEET 10F 3 ale-15738PATENTEnJuu 1 1 I974 sum 3 OF 3 LOG SORTING METHOD AND PATUS BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION This invention relates to sorting logs for subsequentsawing or other operations. Log sorting systems generally employconveyors to carry logs past ejector mechanisms. However, logs tend tobe difficult to handle, and sometimes fall ofi these conveyors or becomejammed. Thus, some prior art sorters employ complicated mechanisms toprevent these problems. For example, one prior art system employsspecial carriages in conjunction with the conveyor means. Other systemsemploy extremely complicated ejector mechanisms.

Typically, prior art sorting systems must be run at a rate of 50 feetper minute or slower in order to avoid jamming. If logs move past anejector while abutting endwise, the ejection of a first log may knockthe second askew on the conveyor. The skewed log then jams and theentire system must be shut down.

In most such systems, logs are ejected into storage bins from which theyare transferred by fork lift trucks or the like to the saws. While thisprocedure is generally acceptable, it involves double handling and it istoo slow and cumbersome when there is no backlog of logs in storage anda particular size of log is needed immediately.

Sorting systems generally sort logs according to length only. One systemsorts the logs to top end dimension. However, prior art systems have notsorted to minimum diameter, apparently because of the difficulty ofcoordinating the scanning of an entire log with operation of the sortingsystem. While prior art measuring systems have been devised to determineminimum diameter, they have not been coordinated with a sorting system.

Unfortunately, the teachings relative to the sorting of other objectshave generally not been applicable to the sorting of logs. The problemsassociated with sorting bulky, irregular logs appear to be unique.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the present invention, logs are conveyedalong a predetermined path and a plurality of ejection stations areestablished at which logs might be ejected from the conveying means.Each log is individually scanned at each ejection station to determinewhether or not it has a predetermined minimum diameter. If it does it isejected from the conveying means. Those logs having the largest minimumdiameter are ejected at the first ejection station with progressivelysmaller logs being ejected at successive ejection stations. By placingan energy transmitting beam projector and receiver generally at each endof each ejection station, one has a fairly good indication of whetherthe log has the desired minimum diameter. It is preferable to keep aprojector or receiver out of the gap area through which a log isejected. Thus in the preferred embodiment, the projectors or receiverson one side of the conveying means are spaced at opposite ends of theejection station and the beams are directed diagonally and inwardlyacross the conveying path. This insures that the beam will be broken bythe ends of the log at precisely the moment when it is to be ejected.The use of an energy transmitting beam is preferable to mechanicaldetecting means since it facilitates greater accuracy in measurement.

In a more preferred aspect of the invention, the minimum diameter of alog is determined by using only one energy transmitting beam projectorand receiver generally at the upstream end of an ejection station.Broadly, this aspect of the invention includes positioning a sensingmeans along the path along which logs are conveyed for sensing theapproximate diameter of a log at each point along the length of the logas the log passes the sensing means. A timing means is operablyconnected to the sensing means and is activated in response to thesensing of a predetermined minimum diameter at a given point along thelength of the log. An ejector yoke is operably connected to the timingmeans and is activated thereby only after the timing means has remainedcontinuously activated for a predetermined length of time. Specifically,the timing means effects closure of a timed contact after having beencontinuously activated for a predetermined length of time. This timedcontact is in series with a control means which effects activation ofthe ejection means. Also in series with the timed contact and thecontrol means is a normally closed limit switch. The normally closedlimit switch is operably connected with the ejector switch in such a waythat when the ejector means has completely ejected a log, it opens thelimit switch, thereby deactivating the control means and allowing theejection means to return to its normal position. Finally, since thetimed contact will again open as soon as the log passes the sensingmeans, a holding circuit is provided in parallel with the timed contact,but in series with the normally closed limit switch and the controlmeans. The holding circuit includes a contact which is closed uponactivation of the control means, but which is opened when the limitswitch is opened, thereby deactivating the control means.

In order to minimize jamming, means are employed for determining whetheror not there is a gap between adjacent logs as they approach an ejectionstation. If there is no gap, the lead log is not ejected, even if itmeets the predetermined minimum diameter requirement. The logs areallowed to pass on until the following log reaches the particularejection station for which a log having its minimum diameter should beejected. The following log is ejected at that station and the lead logis ejected at the next ejection station. Specifically, a gap sensingmeans closes a gap contact if there is a gap between adjacent logs. Thisgap contact is in series with the timed contact referred to above andwith the control means and limit switch. Like the timed contact,however, the gap contact is in parallel with the holding circuit. Thus,even if a log enters into a space where a gap previously existed, thecontrol means which activates the ejector means will remain closed untila log is completely ejected and the limit switch is opened.

A simple, generally flat, continuous belt conveying means is employed inthe system. To prevent logs from falling off the conveyor, the ejectormeans employed is a yoke pivotally mounted above the conveying means ateach ejection station. Preferably, the belt is flexible laterallyinwardly and conforms to the concave shape of a belt supporting meanswhen loaded with logs. This further minimizes the chances of logsfalling off. This also minimizes the chances of logs aligning side byside and thereby jamming the system. The yoke includes arms disposed ateither side of the conveying means whereby a log traveling on theconveying means is embraced by the yoke arms. When a log is to beejected,

the yoke is pivoted and one of the embracing arms kicks the log free.Preferably, the yoke includes a retainer rail operably connected to anarm on one side of the conveyor and forming a generally continuousretaining means along the side ofthe conveyor. When the yoke is pivoted,the retaining rail is moved out of the way leaving a gap in theretaining means which is large enough to allow a log to passtherethrough. The other arm of the yoke includes a kicker rail which isshorter in length than the retaining rail and which has its lead edgespaced downstream from the lead edge of the retaining rail. This insuresthat even though two logs are passing fairly close together on theconveying means,

the kicker rail does not inadvertently catch the front end of afollowing log or the back end of a preceding log as it sweeps the leadlog out through the gap.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a means for directinglogs directly to the sawing or other subsequent operations as they aresorted. Normally, the

logs will be ejected from the conveying means into receiving bins at theside of the conveying means. Here they will be stored or will betransferred to storage until such time as logs of that particular sizeare to be processed. However, the present invention employs a returnconveying means adjacent to the sorter conveying means for conveyinglogs directly to a sawing apparatus. A divertor means is positionedadjacent the sorting conveyor means and adjacent each receiving bin. Thedivertor means can be adjusted to a first position for diverting logsejected from the conveyor means from the receiving bin to the returnconveying means. It can be adjusted to another position in-which logsare ejected directly into the receiving bins;

The result is a log sorting system capable of operation I at a rate of200 feet per minute. The attainment of this result as well as otherobjects and advantages of the present invention will be more fullyunderstood and appreciated by reference to the written specification andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE-DRAWINGS FIG. 1 discloses a side elevationalschematic view of the log sorting apparatus;

FIG. 2 discloses a cross-sectional view'taken along plane Illl of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of one ejector yoke assembly;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of one ejector yoke assembly;

FIG. 5 is a schematic showing of a log passing the energy transmittingbeam detectors; and

FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic of the control system for an ejectormechanism.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the preferred embodiment, logs l are conveyed ona sorter conveyor 10 past a plurality of ejector yokes (FIG. 1). Aminimum diameter scanning assembly mounted on the supporting frame gagesthe approximate minimum diameter of a log passing through ejector yoke20 and determines whether or not it has a particular predeterminedminimum diameter (FIG. 3). Gap determining assembly at the upstream endof each ejector yoke 20 determines whether or not there is a gap betweenadjacent logs traveling on conveyor 10. If such a gap exists, and if thelog has the specified minimum diameter required, ejector yoke 20 will beactivated and the log will be ejected from conveying means 10. Logshaving the largest minimum diameter are ejected at the first ejectoryoke 20 and successively smaller logs are ejected at successive ejectoryokes 20.

Normally, these logs are ejected into receiving bins (FIG. 1). However,divertor gate can be adjusted to the position shown inphantom in FIG. 2to divert logs from receiving bin 60 onto a return conveyor 80. Returnconveyor conveys the logs to a live deck ejector 81 which ejects thelogs onto a live deck 90. From live deck 90, logs are conveyed by millconveyor 100 directly to the saws. Thus if there is a need for aparticulartype of log as the logs are being sorted, that particulardiameter log can be diverted directly to live deck and ultimately to thesaws.

Sorter conveyor 10 comprises the upper portion of a flexible, continuousbelt 11 mounted for continuous movement ina conventional fashion such asaround wheels 12 mounted on frame 40 (FIG. I). The conveying assemblyincludes side rails 13 at least at one side thereof to cooperate withthe downwardly depending arms of ejector yokes 20 to prevent logs fromfalling off conveyor 10. Continuous belt 11 is generally flat, but ispreferably flexible laterally such that it tends to flex into a concaveor dish shape when loaded. Specifically, it tends to conform to theconcave shape of top portion 450 of cross supports 45 and thereby makesit more difficultfor a log to fall off.

Ejector yokes 20 are pivotally mounted to frame 40 above sorter conveyor10, and open downwardly thereonto. Each ejector yoke 20 comprises apivot axle 21 formed of anelongated tube or the like having ejectorsidearms 22 extending laterally and downwardly therefrom to the side ofsorter conveyor 10 from which logs are ejected. On its opposite side, itincludes a plurality of kicker arms 23 extending laterally therefrom anddownwardly onto the kicker side of sorter conveyor 10.

Mounted to ejector side arms 22 is a retainer rail 24. Retainer rail 24is an elongated member which acts as a closure for a gap at the side ofsorter conveyor 10. The gap is large enough for a log to pass through.Retainer rails 24 of adjacent ejector yokes 20 cooperate to form agenerally continuous retaining means at the ejector side of sorterconveyor 10.

Secured to the ends of kicker arms 23 is an elongated kicker rail 25.However, kicker rail 25 is shorter in length than retainer rail 24 andits lead or upstream end 25a is spaced downstream from the lead end 24aof retainer rail 24. This helps to insure that when two logs are movingfairly close together along sorter conveyor 10, kicker rail 25 will notinadvertently catch the front end of the following log as it knocks thelead log off of sorter conveyor 10. A blocking plate 28 is secured tothe lead end 25a of kicker plate 25 and when yoke 20 is pivoted into itseject position, blocking plate 28 extends across the path defined bysorter conveyor 10 and prevents any logs from passing behind its leadend while it is in its ejection phase (see the phantom show ing in FIG.4).

In order to effect pivotal movement of ejector yoke 20, a cylinder 27 ismounted with one pivotally joined to a kicker arm'23 and with its otherend secured to frame 40 (FIG. 2). (Cylinder 27 not shown FIG. 3 forconvenience). When ejector yoke 20 has been pivoted to a predeterminedpoint, the end of retainer rail 24 engages a limit switch 26 which ismounted on a bracket 26a which is in turn connected to frame 40. Thiscauses cylinder 27 to return, thereby returning ejector yoke 20 to itsnormal position.

Minimum diameter scanning assembly 30 comprises an ultrasonic beamprojector 31 and an ultrasonic beam receiver 32 mounted to frame 40generally at the lead and rear ends of ejector yoke 20. The projectorand receiver at the rear end of ejector yoke 20 are labeled 31a and 32afor clarity.

The projectors 31 and 31a and receivers 32 and 32a are positioned at aheight above sorter conveyor corresponding to the minimum diameter whicha log must have to be ejected at the particular ejector yoke where theyare located. Thus, if it is desired to eject logs having a minimumdiameter of 12 inches, the projectors and receivers are setapproximately 12 inches above the level of sorter conveyor 10.

The projector 31 is mounted to the main frame upright 41 on the ejectorside of conveyor 10. A secondary frame upright 42 extends upwardly onthe kicker side of conveyor 10 and joins the same top piece 43 as do themain uprights 41. Because kicker rail is shorter than retainer rail 24,,secondary upright 42 can be positioned inwardly, almost adjacent thepoint where pivot axle 21 of ejector yoke 20 is pivotally mounted to toppiece 43 of frame 40. It is to this secondary upright 42 that eachreceiver 32 or 32a is mounted. This causes the ultrasonic beam toproject diagonally across the path of sorter conveyor 10 in an inwarddirection, generally towards the center of ejector yoke 20. In thismanner, it can be insured that the projected beam at each end of a logpasses within the end extreme of the log at the precise moment the logis in a position to be ejected through the gap normally closed byretainer rail 24. If the receiver 32 were mounted on main frame upright41 directly opposite projector 32, then some type of delay circuit wouldhave to be employed between the time the scanning system determinedwhether or not a log had a particular minimum diameter and the time atwhich the log was actually ejected. Further, it would be impossible tomount in this fashion a scanning assembly 30 at the rear end of ejectoryoke 20, since the log would not be measured thereby until it hadactually passed the point where it could effectively be ejected withoutbeing jammed into a main upright 41.

The use of a scanning assembly 30 at each end of a log as it passesthrough ejector yoke 20 gives a fairly good approximation of the minimumdiameter of a log. Naturally, it would be possible for the log to have asmaller minimum diameter at some point in its center than at either end.However, one can be fairly certain by checking two points of the log,particularly near the ends that one has determined the minimum diameterof the log. This is because the top end of the log is generally narrowersince it is farther up the tree. By placing sensor 30 at both ends of alog, one need not be concerned about which way the log was originallyinserted onto conveyor 10.

Frame 40 is comprised of steel beams and steel tubular members or thelike and is the primary support for the entire log sorting apparatus. Inaddition to the main uprights 41, the secondary uprights 42 and the toppieces 43, the frame includes a plurality of side supporting beams 44extending between adjacent main uprights 41 below both sorter conveyor10 and return conveyor 80 (FIG. I). Extending between these are aplurality of cross supports 45 which act as supports for the upper andlower portions of conveyor belt 11 (FIG. 2). Supports 45 include a dishshaped or concave top piece 450 into which conveyor belt 11 tends toflex, particularly when loaded with a log. This further minimizes thechances of a log falling off sorter conveyor 10 or return conveyor 80.

It should be noted that the secondary supports 42 were not actuallyshown in FIG. ll because they would tend to clutter the drawing.Similarly, the lower supporting region of frame 40 which is shown inFIG. 2 was not specifically shown in FIG. 1 since FIG. 1 is intended tobe primarily a schematic representation of the overall assembly.

Gap determining assembly 50 also comprises an ultrasonic beam projector51 and a beam receiver 52 (FIG. 3). One assembly 50 is provided at thelead end of each ejector yoke 20. This assembly is placed fairly closeto the surface of sorter conveyor 10 so that even the smallest diameterlogs will block the beam as it passes by. The beam projected byprojector 51 will first be broken by a lead log. If there is a spacebetween adjacent logs on the conveyor, the beam will be received againby receiver 52 after the lead log is passed. If minimum diameter sensors30 indicate that a log has a proper minimum diameter, and if a beam isreceived at receiver 52, a pair of switches will be closed which effectsthe opening of a solenoid which in turn activates.

the cylinder 27. If there is no gap between adjacent logs, the beam fromprojector 51 will remain unbroken and the abutting logs will pass byejector yoke 20 even if the lead log has a proper minimum diameter forejection.

The ultrasonic projectors and receivers are conventional in nature. Onetype of receiver and projector which has been applicable in the presentinvention is that manufactured by Delavan Manufacturing Company underthe model designation Sonac Model OIL. An appropriate amplifierarrangement would be Sonac Model 31. Of course it is understood thatwhile ultrasonic projectors and receivers are preferable due to the factthat they are less expensive, photoelectric beams or other types ofenergy transmitting beams could be utilized in practicing thisinvention.

Each receiving bin 60 includes a track 61 down which logs roll fromsorter conveyor 10 (FIG. 2). Divertor gate is pivotally connected tothis track assembly 61 and in a first position actually constitutes apart of the track. I-Iowever, divertor gate 70 is pivotally mounted totrack 61 at 73 and can be rotated outwardly until it engages a stop 71,which is preferably mounted between the side walls 62 of track 61. Inthis alternative position, divertor gate 70 diverts logs ejected fromsorter conveyor 10 onto a divertor track 72 which leads to returnconveyor 80. Divertor track 72 extends from pivot mount 73 to a juncturewith cross pieces 45 at the sides of return conveyor 80.

Return conveyor comprises the underside of continuous belt 11. Itcarries logs to a live deck ejector 81 which is identical in structureto ejector yokes 20 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Live deck and live deck ejector 81are positioned ahead of the first ejector yoke 20 such that the logsfrom any ejector station can be returned to live deck 90 for immediateuse. Live deck 90 itself comprises a deck upon which a plurality of logsto be sawedare piled. From thence they are picked up by mill conveyorand carried to the sawmill.

The minimum diameter scanning assembly described above employs two sets30 of beam projectors and receivers, one set 30 positioned at each endof a log as it passes through an ejector yoke 20. These give fairlysound approximation of what the actual minimum diameter of a log is.However, a preferred means for determining minimum diameter has beeninvented. In this preferred system, only one beam projector 31 and onlyone beam receiver 32 are employed (FIG. When the beam between these twois broken by a log 1 passing therebetween, a timed contact 33 will closewithin a predetermined length of time unless the beam is again receivedat receiver 32 prior to the expiration of that predetermined length oftime. Timed contact 33 is part of a timing circuit in which the contactis normally closed, but is held open and is allowed to close only aftera time delay relay has been activated for a predetermined length oftime. One appropriate timing circuit including such a timed contact andtime delay relay is a unit manufactured by Delavan under the designationAC model 34.

The predetermined length of time is set and can be adjusted according tothe speed of sorter conveyor and the length of logs l which are placedon sorter conveyor 10. The time delay of the circuit is set at a timewhich will result in an activation of ejector yoke just before thetrailing end of a log 1 passes beyond the beam between projector 31 andreceiver 32. Thus, if the logs are eight feet long, and sorter conveyor10 is moving at two feet per second, 120 feet per minute, the timingcircuit would be set to time out at approximately just under 4 seconds.If receiver 32 does not receive a beam for this predetermined length oftime. timed contact 33 will close.

Time contact 33 is in series with gap contacts 53 (FIG. 6). Gap contacts53 are controlled by gap determining assembly 50. If there is a gapbetween adjacent logs, a beam will pass from projector 51 to receiver 52and gap contact 53 will be closed. The simultaneous closing of timedcontact 33 and gap contact 53 allows a current to pass through normallyclosed limit switch 26 and through control relay CR. Control relay CRcloses contacts CR, and CR The closure of contact V and if there is agap between adjacent logs as indicated blocking of the beam would causegap contact 53 to open. If it werent for the holding circuit throughcontactCR the opening of gap contact 53 would cause the deactivation ofcontrol relay CR and this in turn would cause cylinder 27 to remove toits start position without having ejected the log. It will be rememberedthat during the ejection operation, the blocking plate 28 of ejectoryoke assembly 20. will prevent the closely following log from jamming upthe system.

Thus, this preferred embodiment minimum diameter system provides a morepositive determination of the minimum diameter of a log 1 by scanningthe height of a log 1 above a conveyor along the entire length of thelog.

OPERATION In operation, a plurality of logs are cut to any predeterminedlength and placed on sorter conveyor 10. On sorter conveyor 10, they areconveyed past the plurality of ejector yokes 20. As a log passes throughan ejector yoke 20, it is scanned for minimum diameter and if it has aparticular predetermined minimum diameter,

by gap determining assembly 50, the log will be ejected by ejector yoke20. The simultaneous closing of switches controlled by minimum diameterscanning as-.

sembly 30 and gap determining assembly 50 activates cylinder 27 to pivotyoke 20 and cause kicker rail 25 to kick a log out through the gap atthe side of sorter conveyor 10, which is left by retainer rail 24 beingmoved out of the way. Blocking plate 28 extending laterally from thelead end of kicker rail 25 is moved into position across the path ofsorterconveyor l0 and acts to stop any logs which might be trailing tooclosely from passing behind kicker rail 25.

The largestlogs are ejected at the first ejector yoke I 20 andsuccessively smaller logs are ejected at succes- CR activates solenoid27a. Solenoid 27a in turn acti- V vates cylinder 27 which pivots ejectoryoke 20 to thereby eject a log from the conveying assembly. When ejectoryoke 20 reaches the extent of its pivot arc, it engages limit switch 26and opens the same to thereby open the circuit through control relay.CR. Deactivation of control relay CR results in the opening .of contactsCR, and CR The opening of contact CR deactivates solenoid 27a and allowscylinder 27 to return to its normal position.

The purpose of contact CR is to establish a holding circuit in parallelwith timed contact 33 and gap contact 53 and in series with controlrelay CR. This insures that once a gap has been determined to existbetween adjacent logs by gap determining assembly 50, current willcontinue to flow to contact relay CR until ejector yoke 20 hascompletely ejected a log therefrom. This will be true even though a logmight be following fairly close to the log being ejected. Such afollowing log might block the beam being projected by projector 51 aftera gap has been initially determined. Such sive ejector yokes 20. Thesmallest logs, those below a particular predetermined minimum, passdirectly off the end of sorter conveyor 10 and are carried onto achipper orother process. (This is actually a final sorting station).

If it is desired to immediately cut a particular group of logs beingsorted, divertor gate is adjusted ,to the I position shown in phantom inFIG. 2. This diverts the logs directly onto divertor tracks 73 and thenonto return conveyor 80. On return conveyor 80, logs are conveyed tolive deck ejector 81 A detector means such as an ultrasonic beam or thelike detects the presence of a log at live deck ejector 81 and activatesthe same whereby logs are thrown downwardly onto live deck 90. From livedeck 90, they are conveyed by mill conveyor to the saw.

Of course, it is understood that the above is merely a preferredembodiment of the invention and that many changes and alterations can bemade without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of theinvention.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property lows. r

l. A method for sorting logs comprising: moving said logs along apredetermined path; establishing a plurality of ejection stations alongsaid path at which logs might be ejected from said path; scanning saidlogs at ameter of a passing log; ejecting from said path, at each orprivilege is claimed are defined as folsaid ejection station, those logshaving a predetermined minimum diameter, those logs having the largestminimum diameter being ejected at the first ejection station along saidpath with logs of progressively smaller minimum diameters being ejectedat successive ejection stations.

2. A method for sorting logs comprising; moving said logs along apredetermined path; establishing a plurality of ejection stations alongsaid path at which logs might be ejected from said path; scanning saidlogs at each said ejection station to determine approximately theminimum diameter of a passing log; ejecting from said path, at each saidejection station, those logs having a predetermined minimum diameter,those logs having the largest minimum diameter being ejected at thefirst ejection station along said path with logs of progressivelysmaller minimum diameters being ejected at successive ejection stations;determining whether or not there is a gap between adjacent logs when agiven log is at a given ejection station; and ejecting a log at thatejection station only if such a gap is found to be present.

3. The method of claim 2 in which the existence or nonexistence of a gapis determined by projecting an ultrasonic beam across said path to bereceived by an ultrasonic receiver, the existence of a gap beingindicated by the passage of said beam to said receiver.

4. The method of claim 3 in which said minimum diameter of a passing logis determined by passing an ultrasonic beam across the path of said logat a predetermined height approximately at each end of a log in positionat a given ejection station, the presence of a desired predeterminedminimum diameter being indicated by blockage of both said beams by a logpositioned therebetween.

5. The method of claim 4 comprising: positioning one of a beam projectorand beam receiver on one side of said path at each end of each ejectionstation, and at a distance apart which is greater than the length of alog to be ejected, whereby a log can be ejected therebetween; projectinga beam across said path, from or to said projector or receiver, in adiagonal inward direction towards the center of said ejection stationwhereby said beams are broken by a proper diameter log at the momentwhen they are in position to be ejected,

6. The method of claim 3 in which said minimum diameter of a passing logis determined by sensing the approximate diameter of a passing log ateach point along the length thereof as it passes a preselected pointalong said path; activating a timing means in response to the sensing ofa predetermined minimum diameter at a given point along the length ofsaid log; ejecting said log from said predetermined path after saidtiming means has remained continuously activated for a predeterminedlength of time and to the simultaneous sensing of a gap between adjacentlogs.

7. The method of claim 6 in which the step of ejecting said log includesthe steps of: closing a first contact in response to the sensing of agap between adjacent logs; closing a timed contact which is in serieswith said first contact after said timing means has remained continuously activated for a predetermined length of time; activating a controlmeans which is in series with said first contact and said timed contactin response to closing of saidcontact; and ejecting said log in responseto activation of said control means.

8. The method of claim 7 comprising: closing a control relay contactwhich is in parallel with said first contact and said timed contact, andwhich is in series with said control means, in response to activation ofsaid control means whereby said control means remains activated even ifsaid first contact is opened in response to the sensing of a log at apoint where a gap had previously been sensed; opening a normally closedlimit switch which is in series with said first contact, said timedcontact and said control relay and in series with said control relaycontact, at the time a log is completely ejected from said predeterminedpath.

9. The method of claim 2 which also includes the step of blocking saidpredetermined path when a log is ejected therefrom at a point along saidpredetermined path behind the trailing end of the log which is beingejected.

10. A method for sorting logs comprising: moving said logs along apredetermined path; establishing a plurality of ejection stations alongsaid path at which logs might be ejected from said path; scanning saidlogs at each said ejection station to determine approximately theminimum diameter of a passing log; ejecting from said path, at each saidejection station, those logs having a predetermined minimum diameter,those logs having the largest minimum diameter being ejected at thefirst ejection station along said path with logs of progressivelysmaller minimum diameters being ejected at successive ejection stations;receiving logs ejected at each ejection station in a receiving bin:selecting those logs being ejected at a particular ejection station anddiverting them from their storage bin to a conveying means; conveyinglogs on such conveying means to a log sawing apparatus.

ll. A method for sorting logs comprising: moving said logs along apredetermined path; establishing a plurality of ejection stations alongsaid path at which logs might be ejected from said path; scanning saidlogs at each said ejection station to determine approximately theminimum diameter of a passing log; ejecting from said path, at each saidejection station, those logs having a predetermined minimum diameter,those logs having the largest minimum diameter being ejected at thefirst ejection station along said path with logs of progressivelysmaller minimum diameters being ejected at successive ejection stations;said minimum diameter of a passing log being determined by passing anultrasonic beam across the path of said log at a predetermined heightapproximately at each end of a log in position at a given ejectionstation, the presence of a desired predetermined minimum diameter beingindicated by blockage of both said beams by a log positionedtherebetween.

12. The method of claim 11 comprising: positioning one of a beamprojector and beam receiver on one side of said path at each end of eachejection station, and at a distance apart which is greater than thelength of a log to be ejected, whereby a log can be ejectedtherebetween; projecting a beam across said path, from or to saidprojector or receiver, in a diagonal inward direction towards the centerof said ejection station whereby said beams are broken by a properdiameter log at the moment when they are in position to be ejected.

13. A method for sorting logs comprising: moving said logs along apredetermined path; establishing a plurality of ejection stations alongsaid path at which logs might be ejected from said path; scanning saidlogs at each said ejection station to determine approximately theminimuum diameter of a passing log; ejecting from said path, at eachsaid ejection station, those logs having a predetermined minimumdiameter, those logs having the largest minimum diameter being ejectedat the first ejection station along said path with logs of progressivelysmaller minimum diameters being ejected at successive ejection stations;said minimum diameter of a passing log being determined by sensing theapproximate diameter of a log at each point along the length thereof asit passes a preselected point along said path; activating a timing meansin response to the sensing of a predetermined minimum diameter at agiven point along the length of said log; ejecting said log from saidpredetermined path after said timing means has remained continuouslyactivated for a predetermined length of time.

14. The method of claim 13 in which the step of ejecting said logincludes the steps of: closing a timed contact after said timing meanshas remained continuously activated for a predetermined length of time;activating a control means which is in series with said timed contact inresponse to closing of said contact; and ejecting said log in responseto activation of said control means.

15. The method of claim 14 comprising: closing a control relay contactwhich is in parallel with said timed contact, and which is in serieswith said control means, in response to activation of said control meanswhereby said control means remains activated during ejection of a log;opening a normally closed limit switch which is in series with saidtimed contact and said control relay and in series with said controlrelay contact, at the time a log is completely ejected from saidpredetermined path.

16. The method of claim 1 in which logs are cut to a predeterminedlength before being conveyed along said predetermined path.

17. The method of claim 1 in which logs below a predetermined minimumdiameter are conveyed directly to a subsequent processing means.

18. A method of sorting logs comprising: moving said logs along apredetermined path; establishing a plurality of ejection stations alongsaid predetermined path at which logs might be ejected from saidpredetermined path; determining the presence of a log at said ejectorstation; determining the existence or nonexistence of a gap betweenadjacent logs being moved along said predetermined path; ejecting fromsaid path at said ejec tion station those logs for which there is a gapbetween said log and the next adjacent log.

19. A log sorting apparatus comprising: conveying means for conveyinglogs or the like along a predetermined path; retaining means at eitherside of such path to prevent logs from deviating from said path; saidretainer means on the first side of said path including a gap thereindefining an ejection station, said gap being longer than the length oflogs being conveyed on said conveying means; a yoke pivotally mountedabove said path at said ejection station and having a first armextending downwardly on said first side of said path and a second armextending downwardly on the second side of said path; a retaining railbeing operably connected to said first arm and having a lengthapproximately the same as the length of said gap with said retainingrail thereby defining in conjunction with said retainer means agenerally continuous retainer on said first side of said path; a kickerrail being operably connected to said second arm, said kicker rail beingshorter in length than said retaining rail and having its lead endspaced downstream from' the lead end of said retaining rail; means forpivoting said yoke whereby said retaining rail moves out of said gap andsaid kicker rail ejects a log therethrough.

20. The log sorting apparatus of claim 19 in which: said retainer meanson said second side of said path includes a gap therein generallyopposite said gap in said first side; said gap being approximately thesame in length as said kicker rail and said kicker rail normally beingpositioned within said gap to thereby form a generally continuousretainer in conjunction with said retainer means on said second side ofsaid path.

21. The log sorting apparatus of claim 19 in which: said kicker railincludes a blocking means secured thereto at the lead edge thereof, saidblocking means projecting in a direction laterally away from saidconveying means whereby when said yoke is pivoted, said blocking meansis moved into said predetermined path to thereby prevent logs frominadvertently passing behind the lead edge of said kicker rail.

22. The apparatus of claim 19 comprising: sensing means mounted adjacentsaid conveying means and adjacent said ejector station for determiningthe existence or nonexistence of a gap between adjacent logs travelingon said conveying means; activating means for pivoting said yoke only inresponse to the detection of a space between said adjacent logs by saidgap sensing means 23. The log sorting apparatus of claim 22 in whichsaid gap sensing means comprisesan ultrasonic beam directed across saidpredetermined path and a receiving means on the opposite side thereof.

24. The log sorting apparatus of claim 19 which comprises: minimumdiameter sensing means for determining whether or not a log has apredetermined minimum diameter, at least at two points along the lengththereof; activating means for activating. said yoke only in response tothe sensing of a log having said predetermined minimum diameter at saidejector station.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 in which said sensing means comprises:means for projecting an energy transmitting beam diagonally and inwardlyacross said predetermined path generally at each end of said ejectorstation, said means at each end being spaced farther apart than thelength of said retainer rail; a corresponding receiving means beingpositioned on the opposite side of said predetermined path for each saidbeam projecting means, said receiving means being positioned inwardlytowards one another, closer together than the length of a log to beejected from said ejector station.

26. The apparatus of claim 25 in which a vertical support is positionedon said first side of said predetermined path at the lead end of saidretainer rail; a second vertical support being positioned at the secondside of said predetermined path downstream of said first side verticalsupport, but upstream from the lead end of said kicker rail; said meansfor projecting an energy transmitting beam across said path beingmounted on one of said vertical supports; said receiving means forreceiving said energy transmitting beam being mounted on the other ofsaid vertical supports.

connected to said sensing means and being activated in response to thesensing of a predetermined minimum diameter at a given point along thelength of said log; said yoke being operably connected to said timingmeans and being pivoted thereby after said timing means remainscontinuously activated for a predetermined length of time.

43. The log sorting apparatus of claim 42 comprising: a timed contactbeing operably connected to said timing means and being closed inresponse to said timing means being continuously activated for saidpredetermined length of time; control means connected in series withsaid timed contact and being activated when said timed contact isclosed; said control means being operably connected to said yoke foractivating said yoke.

44. The apparatus of claim 43 comprising: a holding circuit in parallelwith said timed contact, and in series with said control means; saidcontrol means comprising a control relay; said holding circuit includinga first control relay contact operably connected to said control relayand being closed when said control relay is activated whereby saidcontrol relay remains closed even if a log is being removed from saidconveying means; a normally closed limit switch in series with saidtimed contact, said holding circuit and said control relay; said limitswitch being operably connected to said yoke such that when said yokecompletes ejection of a log, said limit switch is opened, therebydeactivating said control relay and holding circuit and allowing saidyoke to return to its normal position.

45. The apparatus of claim 39 in which means are provided at the leadend of said yoke for sensing the presence or absence of a gap betweenadjacent logs passing thereby; said activating means being activatedonly in response to the sensing of such a gap in combination with thesensing of a log having said predetermined minimum diameter.

46. The apparatus of claim 35 comprising: conveyor support meansincluding a generally concave upper surface; said generally flatconveying means being flexible laterally inwardly whereby it tends toconform to the shape of said generally concave upper surface when loadedto thereby aid in locating the logs on said conveying means.

47. A log sorting apparatus comprising: conveying means for conveyinglogs endwise along a predetermined path; ejector means for ejecting logsfrom said conveying means; means adjacent said ejector means for sensingthe presence of a log at said ejector means; means adjacent said ejectormeans for determining the existence of a gap between the ends ofadjacent logs; activating means for activating said ejector means inresponse to sensing the presence of a log at said ejector means and inresponse to sensing a gap between the ends of adjacent logs.

48. The log sorting apparatus of claim 47 in which said gap sensingmeans comprises an ultrasonic beam directed across said predeterminedpath and a receiving means on the opposite side thereof.

49. The log sorting apparatus of claim 47 in which said means forsensing the presence of a log at said ejector means comprises: means forsensing whether the log has a predetermined minimum diameter, logshaving a smaller minimum predetermined diameter being allowed to passwithout said activating means activating said ejector means.

50. The apparatus of claim 49 in which said sensing means comprises:means for projecting an energy transmitting beam diagonally and inwardlyacross said predetermined path generally at each end of said ejectormeans, said means at each end being spaced farther apart than the lengthof said retainer rail; a corresponding receiving means being positionedon the opposite side of said predetermined path for each said beamprojecting means said receiving means being positioned inwardly towardsone another, closer together than the length of a log to be ejected fromsaid ejector means.

51. The apparatus of claim 50in which a vertical support is positionedon said first side of said predetermined path at the lead end of saidejector means; a second vertical support being positioned at the secondside of said predetermined path downstream of said first side verticalsupport; said means for projecting an energy transmitting beam acrosssaid path being mounted on one of said vertical supports; said receivingmeans for receiving said energy transmitting beam being mounted on theother of said vertical supports.

52.. The apparatus of claim 49 in which means are provided at the leadend of said ejector means for sensing the presence or absence of a gapbetween adjacent logs passing thereby; said activating means beingactivated only in response to the sensing of such a gap in combinationwith the sensing of a log having said predetermined minimum diameter.

53. A log sorting apparatus comprising: sorter conveying means forconveying logs along a predetermined sorting path; a plurality ofejector means positioned along said sorting path for ejecting logs fromsaid sorter conveying means; a receiving bin positioned adjacent saidsorter conveying means and adjacent said ejector means; a returnconveyor means, adjacent said sorter conveying means, for conveying logsto a sawing apparatus; divertor means adjacent said sorter conveyingmeans and adjacent each said receceiving bin for diverting logs ejectedby said ejecting means from said receiving bin to said return conveyingmeans; said divertor means being adjustable to a non-diverting positionin which logs are ejected into said receiving bin.

54. The apparatus of claim 53 in which said sorter conveying means andsaid return conveying means comprise: a single continuous belt, theupper portion of said belt comprising said sorter conveying means andthe portion of said belt passing beneath said upper portion comprisingsaid return conveyor means.

55. The apparatus of claim 54 in which a track is positioned adjacentsaid sorter conveyor means and extends from said ejector means to saidreceiving bin; said divertor means comprising a portion of said track;said track portion being pivotable to a position blocking the pathdefined by said track, a second track extending from the pivotalmounting of said pivotable track portion to said return conveying means.

56. The log sorting apparatus of claim 53 in which said return conveyingmeans is positioned directly below said sorter conveying means, saidreturn conveying means traveling in a direction opposite to that of saidsorter conveying means; said sorting apparatus including a live deckupon which logs are piled and from which logs are conveyed to saws; saidlive deck being positioned generally at the front end of said sorterconveying means; said return conveying means extending to a positiongenerally above said live deck; ejector means being positioned adjacentsaid return conveying 27. The apparatus of claim 26 in which saidprojecting means and receiving means comprise an ultrasonic projectorand receiver.

28. The log sorting apparatus of claim 19 which comprises: sensing meanspositioned along said conveying means for sensing at least theapproximate diameter of a log at each point along the length thereof assaid log passes by said sensing means; timing means operably connectedto said sensing means and being activated in response to the sensing ofa predetermined minimum diameter at a given point along the length ofsaid log; said yoke being operably connected to said timing means andbeing pivoted thereby after said timing means remains continuouslyactivated for a predetermined length of time.

29. The log sorting apparatus of claim 28 comprising: a timed contactbeing operably connected to said timing means and being closed inresponse to said timing means being continuously activated for saidpredetermined length of time; control means connected in series withsaid timed contact and being activated when said timed contact isclosed; said control means being operably connected to said yoke foractivating said yoke.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 comprising: a holding circuit in parallelwith said timed contact, and in series with said control means; saidcontrol means comprising a control relay; said holding circuit includinga first control relay contact operably connected to said control relayand being closed when said control relay is activated whereby saidcontrol relay remains closed even if a log is being removed from saidconveying means; a normally closed limit switch in series with saidtimed contact, said holding circuit and said control relay; said limitswitch being operably connected to said yoke such that when said yokecompletes ejection of a log, said limit switch is opened, therebydeactivating said control relay and holding circuit and allowing saidyoke to return to its normal position.

31. The apparatus of claim 24 in which means are provided at the leadend of said ejector station for sensing the presence or absence of a gapbetween adjacent logs passing thereby; said activating means beingactivated only in response to the sensing of such a gap in combinationwith the sensing of a log having said predetermined minimum diameter.

32. The apparatus of claim 19 comprising: a receiv-.

ing bin positioned adjacent said conveying means at said yoke; a returnconveying means positioned adjacent said conveying means for conveyinglogs to a sawing apparatus; divertor means adjacent said convertermeans, between said yoke and said receiving bin for diverting logsejected by said yoke from said receiving bin to said return conveyingmeans; said divertor means being adjustable to a non-diverting positionin which logs are ejected into said receiving bin.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 in which said conveying means and saidreturn conveying means comprise: a single continuous belt, the upperportion of said belt comprising said conveying means and the portion ofsaid belt passing beneath said upper portion comprising said returnconveyor means.

34. The apparatus of claim 33 in which a track is positioned adjacentsaid conveyor means and extends from said yoke to said receiving bin;said divertor means comprising a portion of said track; said trackportion being pivotable to a position blocking the path defined by saidtrack, a second track extending from the pivotal mounting of saidpivotable track portion to said return conveying means.

35. A log sorting apparatus comprising: a generally flat, continuousconveying means for conveying logs along a predetermined path; a yoke;pivotally mounted above said conveying means and opening downwardlytowards said conveying means; the arms of said yoke being disposed oneat either side of said conveying means whereby a log traveling on saidconveying means is embraced by said yoke means; means for pivoting saidyoke whereby a log passing therethrough is ejected from said conveyingmeans.

36. The apparatus of claim 35 in which said means for pivoting said yokeis operable in only one direction whereby only one of said yoke armscomprises a kicker arm; said kicker arm including a blocking meanssecured thereto and projecting laterally away from said conveying meanswhereby when said yoke is pivoted, said blocking means is pivoted intothe path being followed by logs on said conveying means.

37. The apparatus of claim 35 comprising: sensing means mounted adjacentsaid conveying means and adjacent said yoke for determining theexistence or nonexistence of a gap between adjacent logs traveling onsaid conveying means; activating means for activating said pivotingmeans only in response to the detection of a gap between adjacent logs.

38. The log sorting apparatus of claim 37 in which said gap sensingmeans comprises an ultrasonic beam directed across said predeterminedpath and a receiving means on the opposite side thereof' 39. The logsorting apparatus of claim 35 which comprises: minimum diameter sensingmeans for determining whether or not a log has a predetermined minimumdiameter, at least at two points along the length thereof; activatingmeans for activating said pivoting means only in response to the sensingof a log having said predetermined minimum diameter at said ejectorstation.

40. The apparatus of claim 39 in which said sensing means comprises:means for projecting an energy transmitting beam diagonally and inwardlyacross said predetermined path generally at each end of said ejectorstation, said means at each end being spaced farther apart than thelength of a log to be ejected, a corresponding receiving means beingpositioned on the op- 7 posite side of said predetermined path for eachsaid beam projecting means, said receiving means being positionedinwardly towards one another, closer together than the length of a logto be ejected from said ejector station.

41. The apparatus of claim 40 in which a vertical support is positionedon said first side of said predetermined path at the lead end of saidyoke; a second vertical support being positioned at the second side ofsaid predetermined path downstream of said first side vertical support;said means for projecting an energy transmitting beam across said pathbeing mounted on one of said vertical supports; said receiving means forreceiving said energy transmitting beam being mounted on the other ofsaid vertical supports.

42. The log sorting apparatus of claim 35 which comprises: sensing meanspositioned along said conveying means for sensing at least theapproximatediameter of a log at each point along the length thereof assaid log passes by said sensing means; timing means operably means andadjacent said live deck for ejecting logs off of said return conveyingmeans and onto said live deck.

57. The apparatus of claim 56 in which said sorter conveying means andsaid return conveying means comprise: a single continuous belt, theupper portion of said belt comprising said sorter conveying means andthe portion of said belt passing beneath said upper portion comprisingsaid return conveyor means.

58. The apparatus of claim 57 in which a track is positioned adjacentsaid sorter conveyor means and extends from said ejector means to saidreceiving bin; said divertor means comprising a portion of said track;said track portion being pivotable to a position blocking the pathdefined by said track, a second track extending from the pivotalmounting of said pivotable track portion to said return conveying means.

59. A log sorting apparatus comprising: conveying means for conveying alog along a predetermined path; sensing means positioned along said pathfor sensing at least the approximate diameter of a log at each pointalong the length thereof as said log passes by said sensing means;ejector means positioned along said path for ejecting logs from saidconveying means; timing means operably connected to said sensing meansand being activated in response to the sensing of a predeterminedminimum diameter at a given point along the length of said log; saidejector means being operably connected to said timing means and beingactivated thereby after said timing means remains continuously activatedfor a predetermined length of time.

60. The log sorting apparatus of claim 59 comprising: gap sensing meanspositioned along said path adjacent said ejector means at the upstreamend thereof for determining the existence or non-existence of a gapbetween adjacent logs as they pass thereby; said gap sensing means beingoperably connected to said ejector means; said ejector means beingactivated in response to said timing means being continuously activatedfor said predetermined length of time and to said gap-sensing meanssimultaneously sensing a gap between adjacent logs.

61. The log sorting apparatus of claim 60 comprising: a first contactoperably connected to said gap sensing means and being closed inresponse to sensing of a gap between adjacent logs; a timed contact inseries with said first contact, said timed contact being operablyconnected to said timing means and being closed in response to saidtiming means being continuously activated for said predetermined lengthof time; control means connected in series with said first contact andsaid timed contact and being activated when said first contact and saidtimed contact are closed; said control means being operably connected tosaid ejector means for activating said ejector means.

62. The log sorting apparatus of claim 61 comprising: a holding circuitin parallel with said first contact and said timed contact, and inseries with said control means; said control means comprising a controlrelay; said holding circuit including a first control relay contactoperably connected to said control relay and being closed when saidcontrol relay is activated whereby said control relay remains closedeven if gap sensing means senses the presence of a log after havingfirst sensed a gap.

63. The log sorting apparatus of claim 62 comprising: a normally closedlimit switch in series with said first contact, said timed contact, saidholding circuit and said control relay; said limit switch being operablyconnected to said ejector means such that when said ejector meanscompletes ejection of a log, said limit switch is opened, therebydeactivating said control relay and holding circuit and allowing saidejection means to return to its normal position.

64. The log sorting apparatus of claim 63 comprising: an ejector meansactivating circuit including a second control relay contact operablyconnected to said control relay and beingclosed in response toactivation thereof; a solenoid in series with said second control relaycontact; said ejector means being operably connected to said solenoidand being activated in response to activation of said solenoid.

65. The log sorting apparatus of claim 64 in which said approximatediameter sensing means comprises means for sensing the height of a logabove said conveying means.

66. The log sensing apparatus of claim 65 in which said approximatediameter sensing means comprises an energy transmitting beam positionedat a predetermined height above said conveying means for transmitting anenergy beam across said predetermined path, said timing means beingactivated in response to the breaking of said energy transmitting beam;said gap sensing means comprising means for projecting an energytransmitting beam across said predetermined path, said beam being brokenby the passage of a log; said gap contact being closed when said gapsensing energy transmitting beam is unbroken.

67. The log sorting apparatus of claim 66 in which both of said energytransmitting beams are ultrasonic beams.

68. The log sorting apparatus of claim in which said approximatediameter sensing means comprises means for sensing the height of a logabove said conveying means.

69. The log sensing apparatus of claim 68 in which said approximatediameter sensing means comprises an energy transmitting beam positionedat a predetermined height above said conveying means for transmitting anenergy beam across said predetermined path, said timing means beingactivated in response to the breaking of said energy transmitting beam;said gap sensing means comprising means for projecting an energytransmitting beam across said predetermined path, said beam being brokenby the passage of a log; said gap contact being closed when said gapsensing energy transmitting beam is unbroken.

70. The log sorting apparatus of claim 69 in which both of said energytransmitting beams are ultrasonic beams.

71. The log sorting apparatus of claim 59 in which said approximatediameter sensing means comprises means for sensing the height of a logabove said conveying means. I

72. The log sorting apparatus of claim 71 in which said approximatediameter sensing means comprises means for projecting an energytransmitting beam across said path at a particular predetermined levelabove said conveying means and means for receiving said energytransmitting beams positioned on the other side of said predeterminedpath.

73. The log sorting apparatus of claim 72 in which said means forprojecting said means for receiving said energy transmitting beamcomprises means for projecting and means for receiving an ultrasonicbeam.

74. The log sorting apparatus of claim 59 comprising: a timed contactbeing operably connected to said timing means and being closed inresponse to said timing means being continuously activated for saidpredetermined length of time; control means connected in series withsaid timed contact and being activated when said timed contact isclosed; said control means being operably connected to said ejectormeans for activating said ejector means.

75. The log sorting apparatus of claim 74 comprising: a holding circuitin parallel with said timed contact, and in series with said controlmeans; said control means comprising a control relay; said holdingcircuit including a first control relay contact operably connected tosaid control relay and being closed when said control relay is activatedwhereby said control relay remains closed even as a log is being removedfrom said conveying means.

76. The log sorting apparatus of claim 75 comprising: a normally closedlimit switch in series with said timed contact, said holding circuit andsaid control relay; said limit switch being operably connected to saidejector means such that when said ejector means completes ejection of alog, said limit switch is opened, thereby deactivating said controlrelay and holding circuit and allowing said ejection means to return toits normal position.

77. The log sorting apparatus of claim 76 comprising:

an ejector means activating circuit including a second control relaycontact operably connected to said control relay and being closed inresponse to activation thereof; a solenoid in series with said secondcontrol relay contact; said ejector means being operably connected tosaid solenoid and being activated in response to activation of saidsolenoid.

78. The log sorting apparatus of claim 77 in which said approximatediameter sensing means comprises means for sensing the height of a logabove said conveying means.

79. The log sensing apparatus of claim 78 in which said'approximatediameter sensing means comprises an energy transmitting beam positionedat a predetermined height above said conveying means for transmitting anenergy beam across said predetermined path, said timing means beingactivated in response to the breaking of said energy, transmitting beam;said gap sensing means comprising means for projecting an energytransmitting beam across said predetermined path, said beam being brokenby the passage of a log; said gap contact being closed when said gapsensing energy transmitting beam is unbroken.

80. The log sorting apparatus of claim 79 in which both of said energytransmitting beams are ultrasonic beams.

81. A method for sorting logs comprising: conveying said logs along apredetermined path; sensing the approximate diameter of a log at eachpoint along the length thereof as it passes a preselected point alongsaid path; activating a timing means in response to the sensing of apredetermined minimum diameter at a given point along the length of saidlog; ejecting said log from said predetermined path after said timingmeans has remained continuously activated for a predetermined length oftime.

82. The method of claim 81 which comprises the steps of: sensing theexistence or non-existence of a gap between adjacent logs being movedalong said predetermined path; ejecting said log from said predeterminedpath in response to said timing means having remained continuouslyactivated for a predetermined length of time and to the simultaneoussensing of a gap between adjacent logs.

83. The method of claim 82 in which the step of ejecting said logincludes the steps of: closing a first contact in response tothe'sensing of a gap between adjacent logs; closing a timed contactwhich is in series with said first contact after said timing means hasremained continuously activated for a predetermined length of time;activating a control means which is in series with said first contactand said timed contact in response to closing of said contacts; andejecting said log in response to activation of said control means.

84. The method of claim 83 comprising: closing a control relay contactwhich is in parallel with said first contact and said timed contact, andwhich is in series with said control means, in response to activation ofsaid control means whereby said control means remains activated even ifsaid first contact is opened in response to the sensing of a log at apoint where a gap had previously been sensed.

85. The method of claim 84 which comprises: opening a normally closedlimit switch which is in series with said first contact, said timedcontact and said control relay and in series with said control relaycontact, at the time a log is completely ejected from said predeterminedpath.

86. The method of claim 81 in which the step of ejecting said logincludes the steps of: closing a timed contact after said timing meanshas remained continuously activated for a predetermined length of time;activating a control means which is in series with said timed contact inresponse to closing of said contact; and ejecting said log in responseto activation of said control means.

87. The method of claim 86 comprising: closing a control relay contactwhich is in parallel with said timed contact, and which is in serieswith said control means, in response to activation of said control meanswhereby said control means remains activated during the ejection of alog.

88. The method of claim 87 which comprises: opening a normally closedlimit switch which is in series with said timed contact and said controlrelay and in series with said control relay contact, at the time a logis completely ejected from said predetermined path.

5%? UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION yawn; No.3,815,738 nmd June 11, 197 4 Inventor(s) Harold J. Sweet, Robert L.Papworth, G John G. Grimm, Jr.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent andthat said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Assignee;

After "Herman" insert --Gundlach--;

Column 13, line 52;

"converter" should-be --conveyor--.

Signed and sealed this 29th day of October 1974;

(SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY M. GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents

1. A method for sorting logs comprising: moving said logs along apredetermined path; establishing a plurality of ejection stations alongsaid path at which logs might be ejected from said path; scanning saidlogs at all points along the length thereof, at each said ejectionstation, to determine approximately the minimum diameter of a passinglog; ejecting from said path, at each said ejection station, those logshaving a predetermined minimum diameter, those logs having the largestminimum diameter being ejected at the first ejection station along saidpath with logs of progressively smaller minimum diameters being ejectedat successive ejection stations.
 2. A method for sorting logscomprising: moving said logs along a predetermined path; establishing aplurality of ejection stations along said path at which logs might beejected from said path; scanning said logs at each said ejection stationto determine approximately the minimum diameter of a passing log;ejecting from said path, at each said ejection station, those logshaving a predetermined minimum diameter, those logs having the largestminimum diameter being ejected at the first ejection station along saidpath with logs of progressively smaller minimum diameters being ejectedat successive ejection stations; determining whether or not there is agap between adjacent logs when a given log is at a given ejectionstation; and ejecting a log at that ejection station only if such a gapis found to be present.
 3. The method of claim 2 in which the existenceor nonexistence of a gap is determined by projecting an ultrasonic beamacross said path to be received by an ultrasonic receiver, the existenceof a gap being indicated by the passage of said beam to said receiver.4. The method of claim 3 in which said minimum diameter of a passing logis determined by passing an ultrasonic beam across the path of said logat a predetermined height approximately at each end of a log in positionat a given ejection station, the presence of a desired predeterminedminimum diameter being indicated by blockage of both said beams by a logpositioned therebetween.
 5. The method of claim 4 comprising:positioning one of a beam projector and beam receiver on one side ofsaid path at each end of each ejection station, and at a distance apartwhich is greater than the length of a log to be ejected, whereby a logcan be ejected therebetween; projecting a beam across said path, from orto said projector or receiver, in a diagonal inward direction towardsthe center of said ejection station whereby said beams are broken by aproper diameter log at the moment when they are in position to beejected.
 6. The method of claim 3 in which said minimum diameter of apassing log is determined by sensing the approximate diameter of apassing log at each point along the length thereof as it passes apreselected point along said path; activating a timing means in responseto the sensing of a predetermined minimum diameter at a given pointalong the length of said log; ejecting said log from said predeterminedpath after said timing means has remained continuouslY activated for apredetermined length of time and to the simultaneous sensing of a gapbetween adjacent logs.
 7. The method of claim 6 in which the step ofejecting said log includes the steps of: closing a first contact inresponse to the sensing of a gap between adjacent logs; closing a timedcontact which is in series with said first contact after said timingmeans has remained continuously activated for a predetermined length oftime; activating a control means which is in series with said firstcontact and said timed contact in response to closing of said contact;and ejecting said log in response to activation of said control means.8. The method of claim 7 comprising: closing a control relay contactwhich is in parallel with said first contact and said timed contact, andwhich is in series with said control means, in response to activation ofsaid control means whereby said control means remains activated even ifsaid first contact is opened in response to the sensing of a log at apoint where a gap had previously been sensed; opening a normally closedlimit switch which is in series with said first contact, said timedcontact and said control relay and in series with said control relaycontact, at the time a log is completely ejected from said predeterminedpath.
 9. The method of claim 2 which also includes the step of blockingsaid predetermined path when a log is ejected therefrom at a point alongsaid predetermined path behind the trailing end of the log which isbeing ejected.
 10. A method for sorting logs comprising: moving saidlogs along a predetermined path; establishing a plurality of ejectionstations along said path at which logs might be ejected from said path;scanning said logs at each said ejection station to determineapproximately the minimum diameter of a passing log; ejecting from saidpath, at each said ejection station, those logs having a predeterminedminimum diameter, those logs having the largest minimum diameter beingejected at the first ejection station along said path with logs ofprogressively smaller minimum diameters being ejected at successiveejection stations; receiving logs ejected at each ejection station in areceiving bin: selecting those logs being ejected at a particularejection station and diverting them from their storage bin to aconveying means; conveying logs on such conveying means to a log sawingapparatus.
 11. A method for sorting logs comprising: moving said logsalong a predetermined path; establishing a plurality of ejectionstations along said path at which logs might be ejected from said path;scanning said logs at each said ejection station to determineapproximately the minimum diameter of a passing log; ejecting from saidpath, at each said ejection station, those logs having a predeterminedminimum diameter, those logs having the largest minimum diameter beingejected at the first ejection station along said path with logs ofprogressively smaller minimum diameters being ejected at successiveejection stations; said minimum diameter of a passing log beingdetermined by passing an ultrasonic beam across the path of said log ata predetermined height approximately at each end of a log in position ata given ejection station, the presence of a desired predeterminedminimum diameter being indicated by blockage of both said beams by a logpositioned therebetween.
 12. The method of claim 11 comprising:positioning one of a beam projector and beam receiver on one side ofsaid path at each end of each ejection station, and at a distance apartwhich is greater than the length of a log to be ejected, whereby a logcan be ejected therebetween; projecting a beam across said path, from orto said projector or receiver, in a diagonal inward direction towardsthe center of said ejection station whereby said beams are broken by aproper diameter log at the moment when they are in position to beejected.
 13. A method for sorting logs comprising: moving said logsalong a predetermined path; establishing a pluralIty of ejectionstations along said path at which logs might be ejected from said path;scanning said logs at each said ejection station to determineapproximately the minimuum diameter of a passing log; ejecting from saidpath, at each said ejection station, those logs having a predeterminedminimum diameter, those logs having the largest minimum diameter beingejected at the first ejection station along said path with logs ofprogressively smaller minimum diameters being ejected at successiveejection stations; said minimum diameter of a passing log beingdetermined by sensing the approximate diameter of a log at each pointalong the length thereof as it passes a preselected point along saidpath; activating a timing means in response to the sensing of apredetermined minimum diameter at a given point along the length of saidlog; ejecting said log from said predetermined path after said timingmeans has remained continuously activated for a predetermined length oftime.
 14. The method of claim 13 in which the step of ejecting said logincludes the steps of: closing a timed contact after said timing meanshas remained continuously activated for a predetermined length of time;activating a control means which is in series with said timed contact inresponse to closing of said contact; and ejecting said log in responseto activation of said control means.
 15. The method of claim 14comprising: closing a control relay contact which is in parallel withsaid timed contact, and which is in series with said control means, inresponse to activation of said control means whereby said control meansremains activated during ejection of a log; opening a normally closedlimit switch which is in series with said timed contact and said controlrelay and in series with said control relay contact, at the time a logis completely ejected from said predetermined path.
 16. The method ofclaim 1 in which logs are cut to a predetermined length before beingconveyed along said predetermined path.
 17. The method of claim 1 inwhich logs below a predetermined minimum diameter are conveyed directlyto a subsequent processing means.
 18. A method of sorting logscomprising: moving said logs along a predetermined path; establishing aplurality of ejection stations along said predetermined path at whichlogs might be ejected from said predetermined path; determining thepresence of a log at said ejector station; determining the existence ornonexistence of a gap between adjacent logs being moved along saidpredetermined path; ejecting from said path at said ejection stationthose logs for which there is a gap between said log and the nextadjacent log.
 19. A log sorting apparatus comprising: conveying meansfor conveying logs or the like along a predetermined path; retainingmeans at either side of such path to prevent logs from deviating fromsaid path; said retainer means on the first side of said path includinga gap therein defining an ejection station, said gap being longer thanthe length of logs being conveyed on said conveying means; a yokepivotally mounted above said path at said ejection station and having afirst arm extending downwardly on said first side of said path and asecond arm extending downwardly on the second side of said path; aretaining rail being operably connected to said first arm and having alength approximately the same as the length of said gap with saidretaining rail thereby defining in conjunction with said retainer meansa generally continuous retainer on said first side of said path; akicker rail being operably connected to said second arm, said kickerrail being shorter in length than said retaining rail and having itslead end spaced downstream from the lead end of said retaining rail;means for pivoting said yoke whereby said retaining rail moves out ofsaid gap and said kicker rail ejects a log therethrough.
 20. The logsorting apparatus of claim 19 in which: said retainer means on saidsecond side of said path includes a gap therein generally opPosite saidgap in said first side; said gap being approximately the same in lengthas said kicker rail and said kicker rail normally being positionedwithin said gap to thereby form a generally continuous retainer inconjunction with said retainer means on said second side of said path.21. The log sorting apparatus of claim 19 in which: said kicker railincludes a blocking means secured thereto at the lead edge thereof, saidblocking means projecting in a direction laterally away from saidconveying means whereby when said yoke is pivoted, said blocking meansis moved into said predetermined path to thereby prevent logs frominadvertently passing behind the lead edge of said kicker rail.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 19 comprising: sensing means mounted adjacent saidconveying means and adjacent said ejector station for determining theexistence or nonexistence of a gap between adjacent logs traveling onsaid conveying means; activating means for pivoting said yoke only inresponse to the detection of a space between said adjacent logs by saidgap sensing means.
 23. The log sorting apparatus of claim 22 in whichsaid gap sensing means comprises an ultrasonic beam directed across saidpredetermined path and a receiving means on the opposite side thereof.24. The log sorting apparatus of claim 19 which comprises: minimumdiameter sensing means for determining whether or not a log has apredetermined minimum diameter, at least at two points along the lengththereof; activating means for activating said yoke only in response tothe sensing of a log having said predetermined minimum diameter at saidejector station.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24 in which said sensingmeans comprises: means for projecting an energy transmitting beamdiagonally and inwardly across said predetermined path generally at eachend of said ejector station, said means at each end being spaced fartherapart than the length of said retainer rail; a corresponding receivingmeans being positioned on the opposite side of said predetermined pathfor each said beam projecting means, said receiving means beingpositioned inwardly towards one another, closer together than the lengthof a log to be ejected from said ejector station.
 26. The apparatus ofclaim 25 in which a vertical support is positioned on said first side ofsaid predetermined path at the lead end of said retainer rail; a secondvertical support being positioned at the second side of saidpredetermined path downstream of said first side vertical support, butupstream from the lead end of said kicker rail; said means forprojecting an energy transmitting beam across said path being mounted onone of said vertical supports; said receiving means for receiving saidenergy transmitting beam being mounted on the other of said verticalsupports.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26 in which said projecting meansand receiving means comprise an ultrasonic projector and receiver. 28.The log sorting apparatus of claim 19 which comprises: sensing meanspositioned along said conveying means for sensing at least theapproximate diameter of a log at each point along the length thereof assaid log passes by said sensing means; timing means operably connectedto said sensing means and being activated in response to the sensing ofa predetermined minimum diameter at a given point along the length ofsaid log; said yoke being operably connected to said timing means andbeing pivoted thereby after said timing means remains continuouslyactivated for a predetermined length of time.
 29. The log sortingapparatus of claim 28 comprising: a timed contact being operablyconnected to said timing means and being closed in response to saidtiming means being continuously activated for said predetermined lengthof time; control means connected in series with said timed contact andbeing activated when said timed contact is closed; said control meansbeing operably connected to said yoke for activating said yoke.
 30. Theapparatus of claim 29 comprising: a holdiNg circuit in parallel withsaid timed contact, and in series with said control means; said controlmeans comprising a control relay; said holding circuit including a firstcontrol relay contact operably connected to said control relay and beingclosed when said control relay is activated whereby said control relayremains closed even if a log is being removed from said conveying means;a normally closed limit switch in series with said timed contact, saidholding circuit and said control relay; said limit switch being operablyconnected to said yoke such that when said yoke completes ejection of alog, said limit switch is opened, thereby deactivating said controlrelay and holding circuit and allowing said yoke to return to its normalposition.
 31. The apparatus of claim 24 in which means are provided atthe lead end of said ejector station for sensing the presence or absenceof a gap between adjacent logs passing thereby; said activating meansbeing activated only in response to the sensing of such a gap incombination with the sensing of a log having said predetermined minimumdiameter.
 32. The apparatus of claim 19 comprising: a receiving binpositioned adjacent said conveying means at said yoke; a returnconveying means positioned adjacent said conveying means for conveyinglogs to a sawing apparatus; divertor means adjacent said convertermeans, between said yoke and said receiving bin for diverting logsejected by said yoke from said receiving bin to said return conveyingmeans; said divertor means being adjustable to a non-diverting positionin which logs are ejected into said receiving bin.
 33. The apparatus ofclaim 32 in which said conveying means and said return conveying meanscomprise: a single continuous belt, the upper portion of said beltcomprising said conveying means and the portion of said belt passingbeneath said upper portion comprising said return conveyor means. 34.The apparatus of claim 33 in which a track is positioned adjacent saidconveyor means and extends from said yoke to said receiving bin; saiddivertor means comprising a portion of said track; said track portionbeing pivotable to a position blocking the path defined by said track, asecond track extending from the pivotal mounting of said pivotable trackportion to said return conveying means.
 35. A log sorting apparatuscomprising: a generally flat, continuous conveying means for conveyinglogs along a predetermined path; a yoke; pivotally mounted above saidconveying means and opening downwardly towards said conveying means; thearms of said yoke being disposed one at either side of said conveyingmeans whereby a log traveling on said conveying means is embraced bysaid yoke means; means for pivoting said yoke whereby a log passingtherethrough is ejected from said conveying means.
 36. The apparatus ofclaim 35 in which said means for pivoting said yoke is operable in onlyone direction whereby only one of said yoke arms comprises a kicker arm;said kicker arm including a blocking means secured thereto andprojecting laterally away from said conveying means whereby when saidyoke is pivoted, said blocking means is pivoted into the path beingfollowed by logs on said conveying means.
 37. The apparatus of claim 35comprising: sensing means mounted adjacent said conveying means andadjacent said yoke for determining the existence or nonexistence of agap between adjacent logs traveling on said conveying means; activatingmeans for activating said pivoting means only in response to thedetection of a gap between adjacent logs.
 38. The log sorting apparatusof claim 37 in which said gap sensing means comprises an ultrasonic beamdirected across said predetermined path and a receiving means on theopposite side thereof.
 39. The log sorting apparatus of claim 35 whichcomprises: minimum diameter sensing means for determining whether or nota log has a predetermined minimum diameter, at least at two points alongthe length thereof; activating means for activating saId pivoting meansonly in response to the sensing of a log having said predeterminedminimum diameter at said ejector station.
 40. The apparatus of claim 39in which said sensing means comprises: means for projecting an energytransmitting beam diagonally and inwardly across said predetermined pathgenerally at each end of said ejector station, said means at each endbeing spaced farther apart than the length of a log to be ejected, acorresponding receiving means being positioned on the opposite side ofsaid predetermined path for each said beam projecting means, saidreceiving means being positioned inwardly towards one another, closertogether than the length of a log to be ejected from said ejectorstation.
 41. The apparatus of claim 40 in which a vertical support ispositioned on said first side of said predetermined path at the lead endof said yoke; a second vertical support being positioned at the secondside of said predetermined path downstream of said first side verticalsupport; said means for projecting an energy transmitting beam acrosssaid path being mounted on one of said vertical supports; said receivingmeans for receiving said energy transmitting beam being mounted on theother of said vertical supports.
 42. The log sorting apparatus of claim35 which comprises: sensing means positioned along said conveying meansfor sensing at least the approximate diameter of a log at each pointalong the length thereof as said log passes by said sensing means;timing means operably connected to said sensing means and beingactivated in response to the sensing of a predetermined minimum diameterat a given point along the length of said log; said yoke being operablyconnected to said timing means and being pivoted thereby after saidtiming means remains continuously activated for a predetermined lengthof time.
 43. The log sorting apparatus of claim 42 comprising: a timedcontact being operably connected to said timing means and being closedin response to said timing means being continuously activated for saidpredetermined length of time; control means connected in series withsaid timed contact and being activated when said timed contact isclosed; said control means being operably connected to said yoke foractivating said yoke.
 44. The apparatus of claim 43 comprising: aholding circuit in parallel with said timed contact, and in series withsaid control means; said control means comprising a control relay; saidholding circuit including a first control relay contact operablyconnected to said control relay and being closed when said control relayis activated whereby said control relay remains closed even if a log isbeing removed from said conveying means; a normally closed limit switchin series with said timed contact, said holding circuit and said controlrelay; said limit switch being operably connected to said yoke such thatwhen said yoke completes ejection of a log, said limit switch is opened,thereby deactivating said control relay and holding circuit and allowingsaid yoke to return to its normal position.
 45. The apparatus of claim39 in which means are provided at the lead end of said yoke for sensingthe presence or absence of a gap between adjacent logs passing thereby;said activating means being activated only in response to the sensing ofsuch a gap in combination with the sensing of a log having saidpredetermined minimum diameter.
 46. The apparatus of claim 35comprising: conveyor support means including a generally concave uppersurface; said generally flat conveying means being flexible laterallyinwardly whereby it tends to conform to the shape of said generallyconcave upper surface when loaded to thereby aid in locating the logs onsaid conveying means.
 47. A log sorting apparatus comprising: conveyingmeans for conveying logs endwise along a predetermined path; ejectormeans for ejecting logs from said conveying means; means adjacent saidejector means for sensing the presence of a log at said ejector means;means adjacenT said ejector means for determining the existence of a gapbetween the ends of adjacent logs; activating means for activating saidejector means in response to sensing the presence of a log at saidejector means and in response to sensing a gap between the ends ofadjacent logs.
 48. The log sorting apparatus of claim 47 in which saidgap sensing means comprises an ultrasonic beam directed across saidpredetermined path and a receiving means on the opposite side thereof.49. The log sorting apparatus of claim 47 in which said means forsensing the presence of a log at said ejector means comprises: means forsensing whether the log has a predetermined minimum diameter, logshaving a smaller minimum predetermined diameter being allowed to passwithout said activating means activating said ejector means.
 50. Theapparatus of claim 49 in which said sensing means comprises: means forprojecting an energy transmitting beam diagonally and inwardly acrosssaid predetermined path generally at each end of said ejector means,said means at each end being spaced farther apart than the length ofsaid retainer rail; a corresponding receiving means being positioned onthe opposite side of said predetermined path for each said beamprojecting means said receiving means being positioned inwardly towardsone another, closer together than the length of a log to be ejected fromsaid ejector means.
 51. The apparatus of claim 50 in which a verticalsupport is positioned on said first side of said predetermined path atthe lead end of said ejector means; a second vertical support beingpositioned at the second side of said predetermined path downstream ofsaid first side vertical support; said means for projecting an energytransmitting beam across said path being mounted on one of said verticalsupports; said receiving means for receiving said energy transmittingbeam being mounted on the other of said vertical supports.
 52. Theapparatus of claim 49 in which means are provided at the lead end ofsaid ejector means for sensing the presence or absence of a gap betweenadjacent logs passing thereby; said activating means being activatedonly in response to the sensing of such a gap in combination with thesensing of a log having said predetermined minimum diameter.
 53. A logsorting apparatus comprising: sorter conveying means for conveying logsalong a predetermined sorting path; a plurality of ejector meanspositioned along said sorting path for ejecting logs from said sorterconveying means; a receiving bin positioned adjacent said sorterconveying means and adjacent said ejector means; a return conveyormeans, adjacent said sorter conveying means, for conveying logs to asawing apparatus; divertor means adjacent said sorter conveying meansand adjacent each said receceiving bin for diverting logs ejected bysaid ejecting means from said receiving bin to said return conveyingmeans; said divertor means being adjustable to a non-diverting positionin which logs are ejected into said receiving bin.
 54. The apparatus ofclaim 53 in which said sorter conveying means and said return conveyingmeans comprise: a single continuous belt, the upper portion of said beltcomprising said sorter conveying means and the portion of said beltpassing beneath said upper portion comprising said return conveyormeans.
 55. The apparatus of claim 54 in which a track is positionedadjacent said sorter conveyor means and extends from said ejector meansto said receiving bin; said divertor means comprising a portion of saidtrack; said track portion being pivotable to a position blocking thepath defined by said track, a second track extending from the pivotalmounting of said pivotable track portion to said return conveying means.56. The log sorting apparatus of claim 53 in which said return conveyingmeans is positioned directly below said sorter conveying means, saidreturn conveying means traveling in a direction opposite to that of saidsorter conveying means; said sorting apparatus inclUding a live deckupon which logs are piled and from which logs are conveyed to saws; saidlive deck being positioned generally at the front end of said sorterconveying means; said return conveying means extending to a positiongenerally above said live deck; ejector means being positioned adjacentsaid return conveying means and adjacent said live deck for ejectinglogs off of said return conveying means and onto said live deck.
 57. Theapparatus of claim 56 in which said sorter conveying means and saidreturn conveying means comprise: a single continuous belt, the upperportion of said belt comprising said sorter conveying means and theportion of said belt passing beneath said upper portion comprising saidreturn conveyor means.
 58. The apparatus of claim 57 in which a track ispositioned adjacent said sorter conveyor means and extends from saidejector means to said receiving bin; said divertor means comprising aportion of said track; said track portion being pivotable to a positionblocking the path defined by said track, a second track extending fromthe pivotal mounting of said pivotable track portion to said returnconveying means.
 59. A log sorting apparatus comprising: conveying meansfor conveying a log along a predetermined path; sensing means positionedalong said path for sensing at least the approximate diameter of a logat each point along the length thereof as said log passes by saidsensing means; ejector means positioned along said path for ejectinglogs from said conveying means; timing means operably connected to saidsensing means and being activated in response to the sensing of apredetermined minimum diameter at a given point along the length of saidlog; said ejector means being operably connected to said timing meansand being activated thereby after said timing means remains continuouslyactivated for a predetermined length of time.
 60. The log sortingapparatus of claim 59 comprising: gap sensing means positioned alongsaid path adjacent said ejector means at the upstream end thereof fordetermining the existence or non-existence of a gap between adjacentlogs as they pass thereby; said gap sensing means being operablyconnected to said ejector means; said ejector means being activated inresponse to said timing means being continuously activated for saidpredetermined length of time and to said gap sensing meanssimultaneously sensing a gap between adjacent logs.
 61. The log sortingapparatus of claim 60 comprising: a first contact operably connected tosaid gap sensing means and being closed in response to sensing of a gapbetween adjacent logs; a timed contact in series with said firstcontact, said timed contact being operably connected to said timingmeans and being closed in response to said timing means beingcontinuously activated for said predetermined length of time; controlmeans connected in series with said first contact and said timed contactand being activated when said first contact and said timed contact areclosed; said control means being operably connected to said ejectormeans for activating said ejector means.
 62. The log sorting apparatusof claim 61 comprising: a holding circuit in parallel with said firstcontact and said timed contact, and in series with said control means;said control means comprising a control relay; said holding circuitincluding a first control relay contact operably connected to saidcontrol relay and being closed when said control relay is activatedwhereby said control relay remains closed even if gap sensing meanssenses the presence of a log after having first sensed a gap.
 63. Thelog sorting apparatus of claim 62 comprising: a normally closed limitswitch in series with said first contact, said timed contact, saidholding circuit and said control relay; said limit switch being operablyconnected to said ejector means such that when said ejector meanscompletes ejection of a log, said limit switch is opened, therebydeactivating said control relay and holding circuit anD allowing saidejection means to return to its normal position.
 64. The log sortingapparatus of claim 63 comprising: an ejector means activating circuitincluding a second control relay contact operably connected to saidcontrol relay and being closed in response to activation thereof; asolenoid in series with said second control relay contact; said ejectormeans being operably connected to said solenoid and being activated inresponse to activation of said solenoid.
 65. The log sorting apparatusof claim 64 in which said approximate diameter sensing means comprisesmeans for sensing the height of a log above said conveying means. 66.The log sensing apparatus of claim 65 in which said approximate diametersensing means comprises an energy transmitting beam positioned at apredetermined height above said conveying means for transmitting anenergy beam across said predetermined path, said timing means beingactivated in response to the breaking of said energy transmitting beam;said gap sensing means comprising means for projecting an energytransmitting beam across said predetermined path, said beam being brokenby the passage of a log; said gap contact being closed when said gapsensing energy transmitting beam is unbroken.
 67. The log sortingapparatus of claim 66 in which both of said energy transmitting beamsare ultrasonic beams.
 68. The log sorting apparatus of claim 60 in whichsaid approximate diameter sensing means comprises means for sensing theheight of a log above said conveying means.
 69. The log sensingapparatus of claim 68 in which said approximate diameter sensing meanscomprises an energy transmitting beam positioned at a predeterminedheight above said conveying means for transmitting an energy beam acrosssaid predetermined path, said timing means being activated in responseto the breaking of said energy transmitting beam; said gap sensing meanscomprising means for projecting an energy transmitting beam across saidpredetermined path, said beam being broken by the passage of a log; saidgap contact being closed when said gap sensing energy transmitting beamis unbroken.
 70. The log sorting apparatus of claim 69 in which both ofsaid energy transmitting beams are ultrasonic beams.
 71. The log sortingapparatus of claim 59 in which said approximate diameter sensing meanscomprises means for sensing the height of a log above said conveyingmeans.
 72. The log sorting apparatus of claim 71 in which saidapproximate diameter sensing means comprises means for projecting anenergy transmitting beam across said path at a particular predeterminedlevel above said conveying means and means for receiving said energytransmitting beams positioned on the other side of said predeterminedpath.
 73. The log sorting apparatus of claim 72 in which said means forprojecting said means for receiving said energy transmitting beamcomprises means for projecting and means for receiving an ultrasonicbeam.
 74. The log sorting apparatus of claim 59 comprising: a timedcontact being operably connected to said timing means and being closedin response to said timing means being continuously activated for saidpredetermined length of time; control means connected in series withsaid timed contact and being activated when said timed contact isclosed; said control means being operably connected to said ejectormeans for activating said ejector means.
 75. The log sorting apparatusof claim 74 comprising: a holding circuit in parallel with said timedcontact, and in series with said control means; said control meanscomprising a control relay; said holding circuit including a firstcontrol relay contact operably connected to said control relay and beingclosed when said control relay is activated whereby said control relayremains closed even as a log is being removed from said conveying means.76. The log sorting apparatus of claim 75 comprising: a normally closedlimit switch in series with said timed contact, said holding circuit andsaid control relay; said limit switch being operably connected to saidejector means such that when said ejector means completes ejection of alog, said limit switch is opened, thereby deactivating said controlrelay and holding circuit and allowing said ejection means to return toits normal position.
 77. The log sorting apparatus of claim 76comprising: an ejector means activating circuit including a secondcontrol relay contact operably connected to said control relay and beingclosed in response to activation thereof; a solenoid in series with saidsecond control relay contact; said ejector means being operablyconnected to said solenoid and being activated in response to activationof said solenoid.
 78. The log sorting apparatus of claim 77 in whichsaid approximate diameter sensing means comprises means for sensing theheight of a log above said conveying means.
 79. The log sensingapparatus of claim 78 in which said approximate diameter sensing meanscomprises an energy transmitting beam positioned at a predeterminedheight above said conveying means for transmitting an energy beam acrosssaid predetermined path, said timing means being activated in responseto the breaking of said energy transmitting beam; said gap sensing meanscomprising means for projecting an energy transmitting beam across saidpredetermined path, said beam being broken by the passage of a log; saidgap contact being closed when said gap sensing energy transmitting beamis unbroken.
 80. The log sorting apparatus of claim 79 in which both ofsaid energy transmitting beams are ultrasonic beams.
 81. A method forsorting logs comprising: conveying said logs along a predetermined path;sensing the approximate diameter of a log at each point along the lengththereof as it passes a preselected point along said path; activating atiming means in response to the sensing of a predetermined minimumdiameter at a given point along the length of said log; ejecting saidlog from said predetermined path after said timing means has remainedcontinuously activated for a predetermined length of time.
 82. Themethod of claim 81 which comprises the steps of: sensing the existenceor non-existence of a gap between adjacent logs being moved along saidpredetermined path; ejecting said log from said predetermined path inresponse to said timing means having remained continuously activated fora predetermined length of time and to the simultaneous sensing of a gapbetween adjacent logs.
 83. The method of claim 82 in which the step ofejecting said log includes the steps of: closing a first contact inresponse to the sensing of a gap between adjacent logs; closing a timedcontact which is in series with said first contact after said timingmeans has remained continuously activated for a predetermined length oftime; activating a control means which is in series with said firstcontact and said timed contact in response to closing of said contacts;and ejecting said log in response to activation of said control means.84. The method of claim 83 comprising: closing a control relay contactwhich is in parallel with said first contact and said timed contact, andwhich is in series with said control means, in response to activation ofsaid control means whereby said control means remains activated even ifsaid first contact is opened in response to the sensing of a log at apoint where a gap had previously been sensed.
 85. The method of claim 84which comprises: opening a normally closed limit switch which is inseries with said first contact, said timed contact and said controlrelay and in series with said control relay contact, at the time a logis completely ejected from said predetermined path.
 86. The method ofclaim 81 in which the step of ejecting said log includes the steps of:closing a timed contact after said timing means has remainedcontinuously activated for a predetermined length of time; activating acontrol means which is in series with said timed contact in response toclosing of said conTact; and ejecting said log in response to activationof said control means.
 87. The method of claim 86 comprising: closing acontrol relay contact which is in parallel with said timed contact, andwhich is in series with said control means, in response to activation ofsaid control means whereby said control means remains activated duringthe ejection of a log.
 88. The method of claim 87 which comprises:opening a normally closed limit switch which is in series with saidtimed contact and said control relay and in series with said controlrelay contact, at the time a log is completely ejected from saidpredetermined path.